Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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When a Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from Gumawid v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh eyewitness testimony, denial, and penalty computation under the Revised Penal Code.
Promissory Note Alterations Raised for First Time on Appeal Not Considered
Supreme Court rules that a defense of material alteration of a promissory note cannot be raised for the first time on appeal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Rape Conviction Upheld Based ON Credible Testimony
ERC's Duty to Act: Mandamus and the Independent Market Operator
The Supreme Court compels the ERC to act on IEMOP's market fees application, affirming the IMO transition under EPIRA.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Beneficial Use Doctrine: Who Pays Real Property Tax on Government-Owned Land
When government property is leased to a private entity, the beneficial use doctrine makes the lessee liable for real property tax. Learn the rule.
Hierarchy of Courts and Indigenous Peoples Rights: Anita Santos v. Gabaen
Supreme Court dismisses Anita Santos' petition against NCIP orders, affirming the doctrine of hierarchy of courts and limiting standing in IP rights disputes.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
Protecting Land Titles: Collateral Attacks on Torrens Certificates in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles from collateral attacks in property disputes, and what this means for landowners facing title challenges.
Finality of Judgments: Supreme Court's Stance on Modifying Executory Decisions in the Veloso Case
The Supreme Court reaffirms the immutability of final judgments, denying the OSG's bid to modify the Veloso deposition ruling.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Foreclosure Rights Understanding Redemption Periods AND Legal Remedies IN Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Act No. 3135 applies in mortgage foreclosures and why borrowers must act within the redemption period.
Separation of Powers: Defining the Roles of City Engineers and Building Officials in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments may create a separate building official office distinct from the city engineer's office.
Beyond the Timesheet: Ghost Employee Acquittal Hinges on Good Faith and Actual Service
The Supreme Court acquits a former board member and five job order employees in a ghost employee case, emphasizing that actual service and good faith defeat charges of graft and falsification.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Employer Vicarious Liability: When A Driver's Negligence Makes The Employer Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer vicarious liability under Article 2180 when a driver's negligence causes injury.
Accountability in Robbery: The Reach of Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide
When does a participant in a robbery become liable for a killing committed by a co-conspirator? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Boringot.
Conspiracy in Grave Coercion: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a mayor of grave coercion, ruling that conspiracy requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not mere speculation.
CBA Benefits and Presidential Approval: Balancing Labor Rights and GOCC Financial Discipline
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCC CBAs granting additional benefits are void without the President's approval under EO No. 7, s. 2010.
Seafarers’ Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Refuses Medical Attention
When a manning agency ignores a seafarer’s request for medical attention, it cannot use that failure to defeat a disability claim.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.